American human rights attorney Martina Vandenberg urged South Korea to implement import restrictions on products manufactured through forced labor during her Seoul visit. The Washington-based Human Trafficking Legal Center president addressed a forum organized by the National Assembly Labor Forum, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Korean Bar Association. Vandenberg has prepared over 4,000 pro bono lawyers to pursue compensation for trafficking victims through her nonprofit organization. Her advocacy centers on addressing systematic exploitation within global supply chains where workers face deception and violence. Companies create multiple subcontractor layers to avoid legal accountability while pressuring suppliers to reduce costs.
The United States enforces Section 307 of the Tariff Act, which blocks imports produced with forced labor since the 2016 loophole closures. Walk Free reports indicate South Korea imports approximately $20 billion annually in goods potentially linked to forced labor from regions employing Uyghur workers. Democratic Party Representative Kim Tae-seon prepares legislation following public discussions on this matter. US Customs recently issued orders against Korean sea salt producer Taepyung Salt Farm for forced labor evidence. Import restrictions protect both foreign exploited workers and domestic employees who cannot compete against unpaid labor.
The United States enforces Section 307 of the Tariff Act, which blocks imports produced with forced labor since the 2016 loophole closures. Walk Free reports indicate South Korea imports approximately $20 billion annually in goods potentially linked to forced labor from regions employing Uyghur workers. Democratic Party Representative Kim Tae-seon prepares legislation following public discussions on this matter. US Customs recently issued orders against Korean sea salt producer Taepyung Salt Farm for forced labor evidence. Import restrictions protect both foreign exploited workers and domestic employees who cannot compete against unpaid labor.
